MADD executives get raises

Apr. 17, 2010

Provided to the Reno Gazette-Journal

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Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Founded: In 1980 by a mother who lost her 13-year-old daughter to a drunken driverOrganization: The national nonprofit has 591 employees, 4,419 volunteers and revenues topping $41 million. Mission: To eliminate drunken driving, support victims of drunken drivers and stop underage drinking.Source: www.madd.org

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As revenue declined steadily since 2005, Mothers Against Drunk Driving cut funding for community programs but continued to give pay raises to its top executives, a Reno Gazette-Journal investigation found.

"If you compare us to other national nonprofit organizations, we're within the benchmark," said Debbie Wier, MADD chief operating officer.

Hurley said he took a $50,000 cut in pay last November "so other members of the staff didn't have to."

Wier said her raises were because of several promotions, from director of victim services in 2005 to chief operating officer by 2009.

She said the drop in funding for programs, which include DUI prevention campaigns, DUI awareness activities, support and advocacy for victims of drunken drivers, reflected a decline in federal grant money.

Jim Holmes, the chairman of the Northern Nevada DUI Task Force, said the pay levels were unreasonable.

"They've made a business out of the damn thing," said Holmes, who volunteers for the task force. "They are doing good, but that's annoying. It doesn't seem right."

Sandra Miniutti, vice president of the New Jersey-based Charity Navigator group that monitors nonprofits, said Hurley's executive pay is similar to other organizations that have revenues in the $45 million range. But high salaries for organizations that support victims and are run by volunteers are often criticized, she said.

Miniutti questioned why the salaries went up, while the organization's financial health has faltered.

"Not only are their revenues slipping, but their spending on programs has dropped," she said. "When you see this happen with charities, they're actually shrinking."

"That makes it harder to justify the increases in pay," Miniutti said. "When you look at the contrast between pay raises and slipping financial health, you have to wonder if the board is really evaluating their performance."

Laurel Stadler, a MADD volunteer since 1990, was surprised by the size of the salaries.